Services

PriceProtect™

Compare Car Insurance

Refinance Car Loan

DriveShield™

Drive Well, Earn Perks

GarageGuard™

Get Service Reminders

Insurance

Car Insurance

Compare Car Insurance with Jerry

2024 Car insurance quotes

Cheap car insurance

Best car insurance companies

Shopping for car insurance

Is Jerry a legitimate insurance broker?

Jerry’s Expert Advice

What factors affect car insurance rates?

How does car insurance work?

Types of car insurance

Full coverage car insurance

Car Insurance Estimates

Car insurance by car

Car insurance by location

Home & Renters Insurance

Home Insurance

Compare home insurance quotes

Home & auto insurance quotes

Renters Insurance

Compare renters insurance quotes

Repairs

Car Repair Estimates

Repair Estimates for Popular Services

Oil change cost estimate

Brake pad replacement cost estimate

Battery replacement cost estimate

Timing belt replacement cost estimate

Wheel bearing replacement cost estimate

Spark plugs replacement cost estimate

Rotate tires cost estimate

Transmission fluid service cost estimate

See all 300+ service estimates

Advice

Read Car Content

Browse Jerry Car Advice

How do I know if a mechanic is taking too long?

How to put antifreeze in your car?

What do you do if your car makes a noise?

Read 5,000+ more car advice articles

Check Out Expert Car QnA

Why does my car squeal when I drive?

Do driving warnings go on your record?

How long can you go past your oil change?

How much below MSRP is a good deal?

Learn from 30,000+ more questions

Learn About How We Create Content

Our Editorial Standards

Our Editorial Review Board

Jerry Data & Research

Recent Studies

State of the American Driver (2023)

Memorial Day (2023)

Android vs Iphone (2023)

Auto repairs (2023)

Auto loans study (2023)

Read all recent studies

Comprehensive Data Reports

Jerry Annual Data Report (2023)

Read all data reports

About

MenuIcon

Does an electric car have an alternator?

I finally made the switch to electric! Excited to get on the road without needing to stop at the gas station. However, I’m still trying to figure out the difference between my diesel car and this one. Does an electric car have an alternator?

Nick Kunze · Updated on Apr 8, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Electric cars do not have alternators.

Alternators charge the battery in gas-powered cars while you drive. However, this component is not needed in an

. Here’s why:

Alternators generate electricity from a gas car’s mechanical power. Since EVs don’t have engines, alternators lack a power source.

While the battery could run the alternator, it would expend more energy than it created.

That’s why you still need to stop and charge your vehicle.

One thing that didn’t change from your gas to electric vehicles? The need for

. Make the most of your insurance by downloading Jerry.

is a licensed insurance broker that makes it easy to find great coverage at a low price. The app gives you a long list of competitive car insurance quotes so you know you’re getting the best deal. Once you choose a policy, Jerry will help with the paperwork.

MORE:

Affordable electric cars that fit your budget

View full answer

WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY

Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

What Does a Car Alternator Do?

If you’ve ever wondered what a car alternator does, you’ve come to the right place. (Hint: it charges your battery.)

What Is an Electric Utility Vehicle?

These days electrical utility vehicles can be found in many professional jobs. For instance, farms are changing their big tractors for compact farm utility vehicles.

Lisa Steuer McArdle

How to Test Your Alternator by Disconnecting Battery

If you suspect your alternator is bad, you can disconnect the negative battery cable and use a voltage meter to test your alternator.

Talullah Blanco

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

What is a Split-Level House?

Split-level houses have multiple levels, generally separating living and sleeping areas with flights of stairs.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: What’s the Difference?

A heat pump and furnace both work to warm your house when it’s cold outside, but their differences can impact which system is right for your home.

Aimee Lynn Everett

Top 5 Moving Companies in Anchorage

Popular Anchorage moving companies include Alaska Terminals, Golden North Van Lines, and Royal Alaskan Movers. Here’s a look at the services they offer.

What Others Are Asking

How is the Honda Insight vs Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?

In an effort to go green and demonstrate eco-responsibility to my kids, I’m switching from a gas guzzler to a hybrid. I narrowed down my choices to either the Insight or the Elantra Hybrid, but I can’t make a decision. Between the Honda Insight vs the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, which is the better car?

When's the best time to visit Everglades National Park?

I’m planning a trip to Florida this year, but I want to visit Everglades National Park. I can go at any time, but I’m not sure if there’s a particular time of the year that’s better than others. What’s the best time to visit Everglades National Park?

How do you change the clock on a 2006 Honda Accord?

How can I change the clock on a 2006 Honda Accord? My boyfriend never changes the time and is constantly running late because of it.

Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

Insurance In Your City

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls

Quotes from top insurance companies

Find insurance savings

Car Insurance by Make

Car Insurance by State

Car Repair by Service

AC Compressor Replacement Cost

Battery Replacement Cost

Fuel Injector Replacement Cost

Fuel Pump Replacement Cost

Ignition Coil Replacement Cost

Oil Change Cost

Oil Pan Replacement Cost

Car Insurance by Company

Aspire Advantage

Assurance America

National General